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Who doesn’t love London? Imagine you have been selected to be a part of London’s topmost university and now it’s time for you to decide where to live in a city like London. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), 13,435 Indian students are enrolled at London universities. Students get to experience a vibrant culture, exciting nightlife, diverse and thriving community. When it comes to study in UK the cost of living in London as a student can be pricey, there is a wide range of student discounts on the essentials such as eatables, clothing, transportation along with entertainment and theatre tickets! In this blog, we will cover the best neighborhoods, student accommodation in London, cost of living, and more!
Also Read: Student Accommodations in Uk
[powerkit_toc title=”This Blog Includes:”]Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in London
Ranked 1st by QS Best Student Cities 2023, London holds the highest record for student satisfaction and graduate employability rate. However, finding accommodation in the UK’s largest metropolis can be challenging.
Student Accommodation Central London
Central London has 100 different student residence options spread across eight universities.
As a student in the heart of the historic and global city of London, there are many things to do and see. From museums and art galleries to designer brands and farmers markets, central London has it all. You can visit famous landmarks like the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral, and strolling the London Bankside to the London Eye and Westminster could become your everyday experience. If you are looking for a peaceful green space, you can also enjoy one of London’s eight royal parks. A wide range of public transport, a wide range of bars and clubs with restaurants of all kinds in the centre of the city that never sleeps is at your disposal. It is one of the most expensive areas of London as compared to others.
Also Read: Study in UK’s Beach Towns and Breezy Cities!
South London
Brixton is a vibrant South London city that is one of the most popular areas for rentals and nightlife. If low prices aren’t enough to attract you, the region also has a wide variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants. Tooting, a promising city on the North Line, is another district in South London. South London also offers good prices on accommodation, especially if you are further away from the city centre. From the south bank of the Thames to the southern edges of the city and the southeast, there is plenty to see and do in South London. In addition to popular attractions on the south bank of the Thames near central London, South London also has the Millennium Dome, a popular venue.
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East London
East London is generally defined as the area of London that is directly east of the City of London and north of the River Thames. It stretches from Tower Hamlets, where the Tower of London and Tower Bridge meet, to Hovering in the east. If you are looking for a neighborhood in East London, it is recommended to stay in Tower Hamlets or South Hackney where you can access various beautiful cities and affordable accommodation prices. East London also has an airport that is the most central of the London airports. Accommodation is reasonably priced and transport links to central London are excellent. East London is also home to leading UK universities, such as the Queen Mary University of London. This is a great neighbourhood because rents are low and there are many students who reside in neighboring places.
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Student Accommodation West London
West London is within close proximity to Central London with different ways of transport across the city. Students can find mid-range to luxurious properties and accommodation options to live. West London is famous for exhibitions at the Earls Court Exhibition, and events at Wembley Stadium and these are easy-to-access locations for students. This is a place for Chelsea fans, as this is where Chelsea FC Stadium is situated. West London is outside the congestion charging zone, however, you need to pay for the premium parking.
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North London
Camden and Islington are the most popular places in North London where students can preferably decide to live. It is recommended to live in these areas because they give you good access to the rest of the city while retaining its own unique charm. North London is well situated with easy transportation into the city. It is a very quiet place in comparison to other locations and the students won’t feel they are necessarily in a busy city.
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How to find Student Accommodation in London
The two biggest factors to consider while selecting a place to stay are price and safety. The prices for student accommodation in London can widely vary. There are a few options for student accommodation in London that we have mentioned below. When looking for a place to accommodate there are three types of student accommodation in London to consider such as university residence halls/dorms, private student housing and rentals.
- Finding the right location- Finding the right location is important when looking for student housing in London. Rent increases in price as you get nearer to London’s central business district. Because of this, it’s crucial to examine where you wish to live in the city’s capital and to take the following factors into account:
- Distance from the campus of the university
- Costs and budget for travel
- Safety
2. Prepare yourself by doing research– Have you given any thought to the kind of residence you want to choose? The three main options for students are halls of residence (owned, managed, and maintained by universities), private halls (similar to traditional halls but with better facilities), and private renting (completely independent living). It is crucial to be fully aware of the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
When you have chosen the type of housing you want to live in, investigate the neighbourhoods near your classes, decide whether you want to share, and prepare a list of any other questions you have before touring properties.
3. Act quickly– Although there are many housing alternatives available to students, they become more and more in demand as the enrollment date approaches. The earlier you can start looking at houses, the better; if you find a home or a particular room appealing, schedule a viewing as soon as you can.
Private Student Accommodation in London
Buildings operated by an outside company (although some have partnerships with universities). Similar to dormitories, divided into group apartments and studio apartments. Most have rooms with their own bathroom and shared facilities (such as kitchen and dining/living room) or studio apartments are completely self-contained.
What is the Cost of Private Student Accommodation?
Below are the costs of private student accommodation in London as per Study London:
| Accommodation | Cost |
| Standard Room (Including Bills) | £160 – 250 per week (INR 16,161- 25,252) |
| En-suite Room | £160 – 280 per week (INR 16.161-28,282) |
| Studio Apartment | £280 – 500 per week (INR 28,282- 50,504) |
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University Residence Halls
Most London universities will offer their first-year students places in their own student residences. They are usually located near the university campus.
What is the Cost of University Residence Halls?
According to Study London, the costs of living in University Residence Halls are divided as:
| Accommodation | Cost |
| Standard Room (Including Bills) | £135 – 210 per week (INR 13, 636- 21,212) |
| En-suite Room | £130 – 260 per week (INR 13,131- 26,262) |
| Studio Apartment | £140 – 340 per week (INR 14, 141-35, 353) |
Rental Accommodation
A room in a shared apartment is privately owned by an owner and is usually rented through an agency. As a student, it is best to contact your advisor or your university to find the right type of accommodation and make the most of your international experience. We at Leverage Edu provide end-to-end services and can help you find the best and most affordable accommodation, whether you plan to live on-campus or off-campus as per your budget and comfortable stay. Reach us at 1800 57 2000!
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What is the Cost of Rental Student Accommodation in London?
As per Student London, the cost of private accommodation in London is divided as follows and it generally does not include bills in this price:
| Accommodation | Cost |
| Room in a Shared House | £150 per week (INR 15,151) |
| Small Studio Apartment | £120 – 1000 per week (INR 12, 121-1,01,009) |
Cheapest Accommodation in London for International Students
Here is a selection of the least expensive student housing options in London, including Bowden Court, LHA Davies Court, and Valentine’s Day. These options offer fantastic value and are quite affordable for you as a student.
The room’s size, the accessibility of essential services, and the affordable pricing of less than £200 a week for working facilities are a few of the benefits.
- London’s Bowden Court
- Valentine’s Day in London at LHA Davies Court
- London’s Wood Green Hall
- One Penrhyn Road, London’s Claredale House
- Study Inn Talbot Street, Nottingham Prince Consort Village, London Helen Graham House, London
- London’s Arbury Court
- London’s Kensal Green Garrow House
Hidden Fees with Student Accommodation London
| Deposit | £75 -£100 [INR 7,575 to INR 10,100] |
| Admin fees | £ 350 [INR 35, 353] |
| Utility bills | £110 [INR 11,111] |
| Insurance | £77- 100 [INR 7,777 -INR 10,100 |
Universities in London
The following are the popular universities in London:
| Universities | |
| University College London | |
| King’s College London | |
| Imperial College London | |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | |
| School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) London | |
| Brunel University | |
| Queen Mary University of London | |
| Birbeck, University of London |
Also Read : Why Do Indians Prefer to Study in UK?
Affordable Universities Close to London
British universities are known to be among the most expensive universities to study. That is only partially true. The reason why a British education seems so expensive is not because of the university tuition, but because of the cost of living. London is the most expensive student city in the world for Indian students. Here we have listed down low-cost universities in close proximity to student accommodation in London:
| Universities 1.5 Hours Away From London Universities Half an Hour Away From London | |
| University of Essex Queen Mary University of London | |
| DeMontFort University Middlesex University | |
| Portsmouth University Northumbria University | |
| Canterbury Christ Church University of East London | |
| Anglia Ruskin University Brunel University |
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FAQs
For students, it is tempting to settle for cheap private housing but it will be cheap accommodation due to a reason. Be careful while selecting any property and keep a check on the signs of damp or mould for student accommodation in London.
In addition to rentals, there are few other things students must be aware of. If you are living in a residence or private hall, and wish to watch a TV you have to for it too. The TV license would cost you around 150 Euros a year. Also, Private halls usually ask for a non-refundable reservation fee of approximately 250 Euros when you are making a booking. Furnishings, Kitchenware, Laundry would also cost you around 2 – 3 Euros per wash.
Central London is considered one of the most expensive cities to reside in as an International student. The average costs range from 1,694 Euros per month. In the locations of South London and East London, it might cost you around 900 Euros – 1200.
Most universities ask students to set up a direct debit. Accommodation expenses will then come out in termly installments. Also, student loans can help you to cover these costs.
Dorm room or rental fees are often due at the beginning of each semester that coincides with student loan installments. However, colleges may offer other payment dates. Additional costs such as heating, lighting, and water are usually included in the price of the accommodation.
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While London is one of the most expensive places in the world to live as a student, London more than makes up for it by offering outstanding networking and educational opportunities, excellent transport, culture, travel and entertainment. If you are interested in studying in London, connect with our Leverage Edu experts on 1800 57 2000 for the career counselling session!
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